Lye water is a potent liquid alkaline substance also known as potassium carbonate solution used as a culinary ingredient in many Asian dishes.

What is lye water made of?

Lye water is made from either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, that are mixed with water.

What is lye water used for in cooking?

Lye water is used in cooking to change the texture of food and reduce its acidity. It is commonly used when making Asian noodles, mooncakes, and certain types of pickles.

Is lye water safe to consume?

Yes, lye water is safe to consume when used appropriately in food preparation. However, it is strongly alkaline and must be used carefully.

What is the flavor of lye water?

Lye water does not have significant flavor, but it can impact the taste of foods by making them more alkaline.

Can lye water be substituted in a recipe?

Lye water can sometimes be substituted with baking soda or baking powder, but the results may vary as these substitutes are less alkaline.

How do I store lye water?

Lye water should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Is there a specific way to handle lye water?

Yes, always handle lye water with care. Wear protective gloves and eyewear when using it, as it is a strong alkaline solution.

Can I make homemade lye water?

Yes, you can make homemade lye water, however it requires careful handling of dangerous chemicals, so it is often easier and safer to purchase it pre-prepared.

What precautions should I take when cooking with lye water?

Avoid direct skin contact and inhalation of fumes, always store out of children's reach, add lye to water and not vice versa to prevent a volatile reaction.

What foods are commonly made with lye water?

Noodles, pretzels, bagels, and certain Asian pastries like mooncakes are commonly made with lye water.

What's the difference between lye water and food grade lye?

Lye water is a diluted form of food grade lye, which is often composed of pure sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

What happens if I use too much lye water in a recipe?

Using too much lye water may lead to a soapy taste, and may also be harmful to your health due to its strong alkalinity.

How do I measure lye water for a recipe?

Typically, lye water is measured in small amounts, often in teaspoons. Always follow your recipe's specific instructions.

Is there an expiry date for lye water?

Yes, check the packaging for the expiration date. If unopened and stored properly, lye water can last up to two years.

Where can I buy lye water?

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

Buy lye water online

Discover the versatile world of lye water - an ancient cooking ingredient with profound cultural significance. Lye water, or potassium carbonate solution, has been used for centuries in numerous cuisines to enhance the texture and flavor of a wide range of dishes. Its compelling application in food extends from diverse Asian communities to early American homesteads. On this engaging page, uncover how this essential ingredient contributes to the culinary world. Explore numerous lye water recipes, learn about the necessary equipment and follow step-by-step cooking instructions to experiment with lye water in your own kitchen. Additionally, delve into related products and related recipes that highlight the utility and versatility of this remarkable ingredient. Your culinary journey with lye water awaits!

Top 5 products for Lye Water

#1

Lady M Jade Rabbit Lantern Gift Set 6pc 210 g

Perfect for Lye water enthusiasts, this 6‑piece jade lantern set adds festive flair to the kitchen when preparing traditional Chinese pastries that use lye water, such as mooncakes and steamed buns. Its elegant glow enhances holiday cooking and makes a thoughtful gift.

$88.00 - $93.29

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LadyM is also very beautiful this year.
weee.15778737
LADY M mooncakes are my must-buy mooncakes every Mid-Autumn Festival. They are so beautiful and the taste is just right for me. The packaging is very elegant and it makes me feel proud to give them to others and myself.
karen小榆
The packaging is cute and can be rotated and lighted up
Yijie
I like it so much, I will buy it next year
ellasun965
Every year's mooncakes are very special ^_^^_^^_^
Jenny宝贝
Tomorrow is Mid-Autumn Festival, and I'm taking advantage of the weekend to share a surprise from LadyM with my family! This year's gift box is so exquisite, I couldn't put it down. I carefully opened the package and was surprised to find that the light setting has a Type-C charging port. I was so satisfied! After enjoying the mooncakes, I kept the gift box.
Connie
Very beautiful shape, can also light up
weee.10932125
Received, very satisfied, will buy again next time
273646329
It is for gift giving, very beautiful and I like it very much, the packaging is also very careful and exquisite.
Venice
The packaging is super amazing, like a work of art.
Kaོren

#2

Good Persimmon Happens Mooncake Mold 6 Pieces 1 box

The Mooncake Mold with Good Persimmon Happens is unrelated to Lye Water, which is utilized in creating Asian cuisine like Ramen or Mooncakes. The mold is essential for shaping mooncakes, not for the production of Lye Water. The frozen variant offers convenience, as you can use it anytime. Its health benefits are not directly associated as it depends on the mooncake recipe. The link between this product and Lye Water lies in making traditional mooncakes, which sometimes use Lye Water.

$5.99

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Looks great Ready to make mooncakes
hwangyili
Bought it for my daughter to show off her mooncake making skills during the Mid-Autumn Festival
weee.13518128

#3

Gompyo Premium All-Purpose Korean Wheat Flour 5.5 lb

Gompyo Wheat Flour enhances the texture in Asian baking. Made from high-quality Korean wheat, it gives a smooth, dense and chewy consistency to recipes such as noodles or dumplings. Lye Water, often used in noodle-making, combined with Gompyo Flour, results in a remarkable chewy texture. Featuring no flavor, it absorbs the taste of ingredients added, allowing chefs to experiment. Its all-natural, making it a healthier alternative to bleached flour options. Note: this product isn't frozen.

$4.79 - $6.99

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The flour is alright; it's great for making pasta dishes.
weee.15821825
It's a pretty big bag, looks good, and the reviews say it's good. I bought it to make steamed buns myself.
zpwmnen
I prefer to use all-purpose flour to make steamed buns.
英 HUANG
Delivery was prompt, and the goods were very fresh. I haven't needed to go out to shop lately!
weee.16298365
The flour is excellent, a brand I love. It makes delicious dumplings and pancakes! The flavor is good. I'm a repeat customer.
爱玲王
It's delicious for making dumplings and pancakes for breakfast.
Fa_JP
It works well. I tried making pancakes and dumplings. It’s very good.
Fa_JP
This is a repeat purchase, making all kinds of exquisite pasta
weee.16163324
There's more than I thought. It's really awesome
Hyo shim
I made sujebi and it was delicious~
Clara

#4

Dried Lotus Seeds

Although not identical to Lye Water, Dried Lotus Seeds can marry well with dishes that use it, such as Asian desserts. They offer a mild sweetness and an earthy, homely flavor. Used in recipes like mooncakes and sweet soups, the seeds are nutrient-rich, supporting heart and kidney health. Moreover, their dried nature ensures a lengthy shelf life and easy storage.

$7.49 - $9.79

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Lotus seeds are edible, but many seeds still have lotus hearts so they are bitter.
CrystalNguyen
It's a small portion, and not cheap. But given the low yield of lotus seeds, it's understandable.
石榴花开
Haven't eaten yet, but the lotus seeds don't look very good because they're not evenly dried, and are expensive. I won't buy them again.
trangnt.c2tl
Delicious, good quality, timely delivery, good driver
YouwenHu
The dry goods are as good as always, and the stewed soup is very powdery
weee.16039608
Used them to make lotus seed paste from scratch for mooncakes - they turned out quite nice!
牛方忻
I cooked Tremella, lotus seeds, Job's tears, red dates, and rock sugar in an electric stove. After two stews, they became very soft. I like this lotus seed and will continue to buy it.
weee.9347193
Buy, buy, buy the essential ingredients for Si Shen Soup
CH YANG
First time to have it
weee.14824803

#5

Otoki Korean Corn Syrup

While it's not lye water, Otoki Korean Corn Syrup is a versatile ingredient often used in Asian cuisine to create a smooth texture and enhance flavors. It can be suitable for someone looking for lye water due to its adaptability in recipes, especially in Korean dishes like Bulgogi and marinated ribs. It lends a distinct, mildly sweet flavor. The syrup is also beneficial in maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. Nonetheless, the product isn't frozen.

$3.79 - $4.99

Shop now

I use it a lot when I cook old-fashioned syrup.
weee.15854148
When making Korean food, sometimes you need corn syrup
ydaeh5630
Syrup essential for making mooncakes - I'll definitely buy it again and again.
Lilac
I don't use it much these days, but it's still a must-have item at home. I've repurchased this several times.
Y
it makes shiny
sullivanpark07
Nice items
ana liza
I bought it to use as a cooking hammer.
7veryday
I bought it because I wanted to make stir-fried chicken.
진영
I used it as a seasoning when making octopus and pork belly.
weee.14512534
This is my first time buying this, and I think I made a good purchase. I'll enjoy it.
혀니주니파파

Lye Water near me

Buy your favorite lye water online with free delivery. Weee! has nation wide free shipping options with low minimums. Order lye water near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless free delivery. Our asian market has no markups and prices are most often cheaper than retail stores. Thousands of families rely on Weee! to get fresh oriental cuisine food ingredients to their home for cooking dinner. Find the biggest nearby selection of Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, or Indian food. Now accepting EBT/SNAP at checkout for most major cities in the USA.

We believe Asian groceries should be accessible and affordable for all

Free delivery with low minimums

America’s largest selection

Freshness guarantee

America’s #1 Asian grocery delivery app

Recent service reviews

Sept. 2024

Very good prices, delivery on times of any time I ordered . Good service. Good product. You can find anything's on Weee!

PriceDeliveryProduct Quality

Customer since 2018

Phoenix, AZ

Jun. 2024

I've hunted all over Connecticut for Asian groceries and they're difficult to find in my area. I love being able to order them on Weee!

Product Variety

Customer since 2020

Connecticut, CT

Apr. 2024

Great customer service. Experienced customer service who answers the phone could always solve problem efficiently.

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Customer since 2023

Washington DC

Jan. 2024

I really appreciate that you work hard to uphold standards of quality. I like the wide variety of products and the ease of shopping with you.

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Customer since 2020

Los Angeles, CA

Frequently asked questions

What is lye water?
Lye water is a potent liquid alkaline substance also known as potassium carbonate solution used as a culinary ingredient in many Asian dishes.
What is lye water used for in cooking?
Lye water is used in cooking to change the texture of food and reduce its acidity. It is commonly used when making Asian noodles, mooncakes, and certain types of pickles.
What is the flavor of lye water?
Lye water does not have significant flavor, but it can impact the taste of foods by making them more alkaline.
How do I store lye water?
Lye water should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Can I make homemade lye water?
Yes, you can make homemade lye water, however it requires careful handling of dangerous chemicals, so it is often easier and safer to purchase it pre-prepared.
What foods are commonly made with lye water?
Noodles, pretzels, bagels, and certain Asian pastries like mooncakes are commonly made with lye water.
What happens if I use too much lye water in a recipe?
Using too much lye water may lead to a soapy taste, and may also be harmful to your health due to its strong alkalinity.
Is there an expiry date for lye water?
Yes, check the packaging for the expiration date. If unopened and stored properly, lye water can last up to two years.

What is lye water made of?
Lye water is made from either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, that are mixed with water.
Is lye water safe to consume?
Yes, lye water is safe to consume when used appropriately in food preparation. However, it is strongly alkaline and must be used carefully.
Can lye water be substituted in a recipe?
Lye water can sometimes be substituted with baking soda or baking powder, but the results may vary as these substitutes are less alkaline.
Is there a specific way to handle lye water?
Yes, always handle lye water with care. Wear protective gloves and eyewear when using it, as it is a strong alkaline solution.
What precautions should I take when cooking with lye water?
Avoid direct skin contact and inhalation of fumes, always store out of children's reach, add lye to water and not vice versa to prevent a volatile reaction.
What's the difference between lye water and food grade lye?
Lye water is a diluted form of food grade lye, which is often composed of pure sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
How do I measure lye water for a recipe?
Typically, lye water is measured in small amounts, often in teaspoons. Always follow your recipe's specific instructions.
Where can I buy lye water?
You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

LadyM is also very beautiful this year.
weee.15778737
LADY M mooncakes are my must-buy mooncakes every Mid-Autumn Festival. They are so beautiful and the taste is just right for me. The packaging is very elegant and it makes me feel proud to give them to others and myself.
karen小榆
The packaging is cute and can be rotated and lighted up
Yijie
I like it so much, I will buy it next year
ellasun965
Every year's mooncakes are very special ^_^^_^^_^
Jenny宝贝
Tomorrow is Mid-Autumn Festival, and I'm taking advantage of the weekend to share a surprise from LadyM with my family! This year's gift box is so exquisite, I couldn't put it down. I carefully opened the package and was surprised to find that the light setting has a Type-C charging port. I was so satisfied! After enjoying the mooncakes, I kept the gift box.
Connie
Very beautiful shape, can also light up
weee.10932125
Received, very satisfied, will buy again next time
273646329
It is for gift giving, very beautiful and I like it very much, the packaging is also very careful and exquisite.
Venice
The packaging is super amazing, like a work of art.
Kaོren
The flour is alright; it's great for making pasta dishes.
weee.15821825
It's a pretty big bag, looks good, and the reviews say it's good. I bought it to make steamed buns myself.
zpwmnen
I prefer to use all-purpose flour to make steamed buns.
英 HUANG
Delivery was prompt, and the goods were very fresh. I haven't needed to go out to shop lately!
weee.16298365
The flour is excellent, a brand I love. It makes delicious dumplings and pancakes! The flavor is good. I'm a repeat customer.
爱玲王
It's delicious for making dumplings and pancakes for breakfast.
Fa_JP
It works well. I tried making pancakes and dumplings. It’s very good.
Fa_JP
This is a repeat purchase, making all kinds of exquisite pasta
weee.16163324
There's more than I thought. It's really awesome
Hyo shim
I made sujebi and it was delicious~
Clara
Lotus seeds are edible, but many seeds still have lotus hearts so they are bitter.
CrystalNguyen
It's a small portion, and not cheap. But given the low yield of lotus seeds, it's understandable.
石榴花开
Haven't eaten yet, but the lotus seeds don't look very good because they're not evenly dried, and are expensive. I won't buy them again.
trangnt.c2tl
Delicious, good quality, timely delivery, good driver
YouwenHu
The dry goods are as good as always, and the stewed soup is very powdery
weee.16039608
Used them to make lotus seed paste from scratch for mooncakes - they turned out quite nice!
牛方忻
I cooked Tremella, lotus seeds, Job's tears, red dates, and rock sugar in an electric stove. After two stews, they became very soft. I like this lotus seed and will continue to buy it.
weee.9347193
Buy, buy, buy the essential ingredients for Si Shen Soup
CH YANG
First time to have it
weee.14824803
I use it a lot when I cook old-fashioned syrup.
weee.15854148
Essential for kutsinta! It gives that perfect chewy texture and glossy finish.
jackelyn
been using this for my puto
ainacarandang79
Used it for dough for mooncakes - they turned out very nice!
牛方忻
Lye is excellently packed.
Maria
Now I can make my kutsinta.
Rachel
Lye Water for Kutsinta
nheinorm59
Perfect for pichi pichi
winnie_gadia
If you’re Filipino, Lye water is good for Filipino dessert kutsinta
weee.9983416
For my cooking
weee.15180513
First time ordering this. We"ll see.
Pami
This is SOOO good! Cravings satisfied Have to buy more than 1 at a time, favorite family snack.
weee.12933878
Repeat purchase. Love this suman.
Sasha
These really good. Childhood breakfast.
mae02barnes
Im glad they have these! Craving for these!
mae02barnes
Finally got this on perfect timing, on sale! This is so good! Favorite Filipino snack. Serve if warm with coconut and brown sugar.
nanaycarrot
Needs replacement because it feels old, waiting for a replacement
merjos2002
Excellent product. Will buy again! Thanks weee!
Er
my kind of merienda food, just defrost from the microwave n u can’t go wrong, it’s very delicious and I’ve been ordering it at least once a month for the last couple of months, Merl’s native delicacies especially Suman sa Lihiya is plus for me
Andrea
Finally got a taste of suma salihiya. Sarappp!
Irine and IsabelaElvambuena
The best stuff ever!!!!
Jansy